Luka Doncic Ruled Out of NBA Awards Race Due to Injury

DALLAS, Texas — Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic has been officially ruled out of contention for the NBA’s 2024-25 season awards after missing his 17th game on Sunday against the Denver Nuggets. The 25-year-old guard, sidelined with a left calf strain, will not meet the league’s 65-game requirement for individual honors, including MVP and All-NBA recognition.

Doncic suffered the injury during the Mavericks’ 105-99 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas Day. Team officials announced he would be re-evaluated in a month, effectively ending his MVP campaign. “I think that’s just part of the nature right now with the way the rules are set up,” Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said. “When you have a severe injury, it can knock you out of that, but we know that he’s one of the best players. He’s always mentioned as an MVP candidate.”

Doncic joins a growing list of NBA stars, including Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embiid, Zion Williamson, Paolo Banchero, and Chet Holmgren, who will fall short of the 65-game threshold. Despite his absence, the Mavericks remain competitive, sitting fifth in the Western Conference with a 24-15 record. The team faces the Nuggets again on Tuesday in a crucial two-game series that could impact playoff seeding.

In Doncic’s absence, rookie center Dereck Lively II has stepped up, delivering a 21-point, 16-rebound double-double in a recent win. Lively’s improved passing has also been a bright spot, with his assists per game rising from 1.1 last season to 2.5 this year.

While Doncic’s individual accolades are on hold, he remains eligible for a supermax extension in 2025, potentially worth up to $346.3 million. The Mavericks’ focus now shifts to ensuring their star is healthy for the playoffs, where they hope to make another deep run.